MEDIA RELEASE

West Hawaii Ice Task Force and Kona Vice officers arrested and charged two men with various drug offenses after serving a search warrant at a home in Kalaoa, North Kona.

On Thursday (>December 21, 2006>), subsequent to a drug investigation, officers executed a search warrant at a home on Holoholo Street, in Kalaoa, Kona, and arrested five individuals after recovering approximately 2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, a digital gram scale, and $4,363 in cash.

A 28-year-old woman, a 62-year-old woman, and a 60-year-old man were later released pending further investigation.

Three children, ages 10, 7, and 1 year were taken into protective custody and referred to state Child Protective Services.

On Friday (>December 22, 2006>) officers arrested and charged Ramon Villanueva-Martinez, 26, and Elio Sandoval, 30, each with two counts of unlawful methamphetamine trafficking and two counts of illegal possession of drug paraphernalia. Bail has been set at $100,000 for each individual. Both individuals are unable to post bail and remain in custody in the cellblock of the Kona District Station.

Police estimated the street value of the drugs seized to be more than $150,000.